Plumbing problems?

I just moved into an old building(1885, renovated in 1992) and there is a lot of noise coming from the drainage system. I know it isn't the water lines because there is never any noise until the water runs down a drain or is flushed. It's not a clangy noise of pipes, but more like a large object is being forced through the pipes, the noise starting small, growing louder and then quiet again. It's very similar to the way it sounds when there is air in the pipes, or if they have frozen. Anyone a plumbing specialist?